Associate University Librarian report: Robert Sewell reported that we
don't yet have final word on the FY04 budget, but that once this
information is available it will be shared. We may have a special
dedicated meeting to discuss it further.
[Since the meeting the VP for Academic Affairs has given the Libraries
$750,000 in temporary funds to eliminate the need for extensive
cancellations of databases and journals. The University Librarian has
also contributed $250,000 for the collections budget this year.)
A new descriptive brochure from The Center for Research Libraries was
distributed. The brochure explains the Center's resources for advanced
research and teaching.

The binding committee's report has been completed and now resides on the
collection development page on our website. Library Binding Company of
Pennsylvania is the successful bidder to assume responsibility for all
of RUL's binding needs. A rigorous RFP process through Rutgers
Procurement Services was used. The approval plan task force will use the
same process.

Acquisitions update: Mary Page distributed the NERL options for Science
Direct. RUL's options included commitments for 1 year or multiple years
up to 5. After a discussion, it was resolved to continue to acquire
Science Direct and to pursue the 5 year commitment which guarantees a
greatly reduced annual inflation factor (called price protection by
Elsevier) among some other more favorable provisions.

The freeze on the use of non-State funds will continue awhile longer.

The University is committed to the use of all funds budgeting, a system
where all sources of income and all sources of revenue are viewed
together in a single system. We will be learning much more about this in
the near future.

Restructuring (merger/separation) activities: Robert Sewell reported
that Grace Agnew, Jeanne Boyle, and Jim Nettleman have been intensely
involved in the information gathering process. Reports have been
compiled for the entire system and for the Newark (North), New Brunswick
(Central), and Camden (South) campuses. The overall vision appears to
include three semi-autonomous universities. However, all have proposed
that the Libraries continue to operate as a single system. The North
report suggested a federated system. The final report containing values
and principles is now being compiled.

Cancellation reports from science, social science, arts & humanities,
and generalist teams: Robert Sewell distributed the online resources
proposed cancellations list as revised on September 17, 2003. We are
working on print titles as well. [VP for Academic Affairs funding
precluded the need for extensive cancellations.]

Goals setting: Robert Sewell distributed a draft document for
discussion. The document details six goals for 2003/04. Generally
speaking, these are:

To establish a new allocation process in accordance with University's
new budgeting procedures.

To improve financial management of collections budget.

To improve liaison relationships and general communications with users
about collections.

To expand and improve collection development and management policy
documentation.

To improve workflow between selectors and acquisition department.

To continue to support the Digital Library Initiative (DLI).

A lively discussion resulted in adding some additional sub-activities
within each goal. For example, under the first goal, it was resolved to
revisit and perhaps revise the timetable for allocation of expenditures
to keep it flexible but firm; and to revisit the large number of fund
codes with the goal of cutting that number. Under the second goal, it
was resolved to work on strategies for outside fundraising to increase
the base budget. Under the third goal (liaison relationships and
communications), it was resolved to develop user survey information to
increase our understanding of user patterns and needs.

A seventh goal to pursue the preservation plan and continue strides
towards a system-wide program was added. The preservation taskforce
could be reconstituted to look at minimal care and standards across
formats, determine what a system-wide facility would look and operate,
and develop a timeline and funding priorities for each step in a five
year plan.